Raise the Hammer

Ah, Old Montreal.

What a wonderful place. I drove there as well, via Bath and Ottawa. I took 4 adults and 2 kids in a massive Ford Expedition. I took the Ford, my in-laws got my fuel sipping (kind of) Mazda for the week. Yes, the beast was wonderful on fuel if you own an oil company!

When we got to Old Montreal we parked the beast and left it until it was time to go.

The few cars passing through the cobblestone streets passed slowly. No overnight street parking in most areas. The trucks?? Well, they can only enter in the wee hours of the morning for deliveries. I awoke at 6am to take some photos and the trucks had all but disappeared for the day.

The hotel Le Guilleret. A b&b style hotel, built in 1760. I recommend it to anyone.

www.leguilleret.com/

Anyway,

"Through the mid-to-late twentieth century, the old city decayed. However, major urban renewal programs have resurrected its commercial and residential life while protecting its heritage".

"The 1960s breathed new life into Old Montréal, as astute renovators and artists lovingly restored beautiful old homes. Bonsecours Market was rejuvenated. Place Jacques Cartier was given a facelift for Expo 67. Since then, and even more since the late 1970s, major public- and private-sector investment has helped highlight the heritage value of the historic city centre and the Old Port".

"Old Montréal is more alive than ever, with more than 2,000 households and upwards of 35,000 people working there in design, business and trade, and municipal and legal institutions. Every year, millions of Montrealers and tourists come to enjoy the charms of the old city's meandering streets and sunny squares, fascinating museums and alluring shops, excellent restaurants and the "new" Old Port".

No, we cannot be Old Montreal, but many cities with heritage value should look at the Old Montreal example.

Thanks Darren for the article.

We probably will become another lost civilisation one day. Your Canada/Mexico analogy may be spot on.